GENDER PERSPECTIVE
GUIDE TO PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT FOR PREGNANT WOMEN AND MOTHERS AFFECTED BY DANA
GUIDE PUBLISHED BY THE OFFICIAL COL·LEGI OF PSYCHOLOGY OF THE VALENCIAN COMMUNITY.
This document contains some recommendations aimed at mothers and pregnant women living in places affected by DANA to help alleviate the psychological effects of the disaster that occurred in Valencia, Castilla la Mancha and Andalusia. The focus of this guide is not only the mothers themselves but also other family members, including spouses, children and their parents (grandparents). These recommendations revolve around the following topics: rest and routine, emotional management, use of social networks and media, relaxation techniques, movement, physical activity and self-care, repair and preventive bonding, surveillance and hypervigilance, support network, realism and safety resources and psychological assistance.
Paternity: Official Faculty of Psychology of the Valencian Community
Publishing body: Official Faculty of Psychology of the Valencian Community
Year of publication: 2024
GUIDE TO PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT FOR PREGNANT WOMEN AND MOTHERS AFFECTED BY DANA
GUIDE PUBLISHED BY THE OFFICIAL COL·LEGI OF PSYCHOLOGY OF THE VALENC
This document contains some recommendations aimed at mothers and pregnant women living in places affected by DANA to help alleviate the psychological effects of the disaster that occurred in Valencia, Castilla la Mancha and Andalusia. The focus of this guide is not only the mothers themselves but also other family members, including spouses, children and their parents (grandparents). These recommendations revolve around the following topics: rest and routine, emotional management, use of social networks and media, relaxation techniques, movement, physical activity and self-care, repair and preventive bonding, surveillance and hypervigilance, support network, realism and safety resources and psychological assistance.
Paternity: Official Faculty of Psychology of the Valencian Community
Publishing body: Official Faculty of Psychology of the Valencian Community
Year of publication: 2024
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Dr. Laura Vázquez, Psychologist and Author of the Guide to Psychological Support for Pregnant Women and Mothers Affected by DANA
Time.news Editor (T.E.): Welcome, Dr. Vázquez. We appreciate you taking the time to speak with us today about your important work guiding pregnant women and mothers affected by DANA. To start, could you elaborate on what DANA is and the context of its impact on these communities?
Dr. Laura Vázquez (D.L.V.): Thank you for having me. DANA, or Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos de Aguas, refers to isolated depression during heavy rain and flooding events. Recently, certain regions in Spain, including Valencia, Castilla la Mancha, and Andalusia, have faced devastating floods that not only caused physical damage but also significant emotional distress for families, particularly pregnant women and new mothers.
T.E.: It sounds like a comprehensive approach was necessary. Your guide focuses on various aspects of psychological support. What were some key areas you felt needed addressing?
D.L.V.: Absolutely. Our guide identifies several crucial areas, including managing emotional health, establishing a stable routine, and ensuring proper rest—all of which can be disrupted during crises. Additionally, we emphasize establishing support networks, utilizing social media judiciously, and practicing self-care. Each of these areas plays a vital role in helping mothers maintain their mental well-being.
T.E.: Emotional management certainly seems vital. Can you share some techniques or strategies you recommend for those affected?
D.L.V.: Certainly! We encourage practices such as mindfulness meditation and deep-breathing exercises to help manage anxiety. Furthermore, we suggest physical activities like gentle stretches or walks, which can alleviate stress and improve mood. The guide also discusses the importance of regular check-ins with friends and family to foster that support network, ensuring that mothers don’t feel isolated.
T.E.: You also mention the role of social networks and media. How can these be beneficial, and are there risks associated with them?
D.L.V.: Social media can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides a platform for connection, allowing mothers to share their experiences and receive support from others in similar situations. On the other hand, exposure to negative content can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and despair. We advise prioritizing positive interactions and finding trustworthy sources of information that can provide reassurance and guidance.
T.E.: That makes a lot of sense. Speaking of reassurance, how does your guide encourage collaboration between family members, such as spouses and grandparents?
D.L.V.: We stress that psychological support should be a collective effort. Encouraging open communication within the family helps everyone understand the unique challenges that mothers face during and after pregnancy, particularly in the aftermath of a disaster. Our guide recommends family activities that foster bonding and reassurance, demonstrating that each member plays an essential role in the healing process.
T.E.: As we talk about healing, could you discuss the concept of ‘hypervigilance’? Why is it important for mothers to be aware of this?
D.L.V.: Hypervigilance is heightened awareness or alertness to potential threats, which can be a normal response to living through a disaster. For mothers, this may translate into feelings of being constantly on edge about their safety and their child’s safety. It’s crucial for them to recognize this state so they can manage it effectively—understanding that while caution is necessary, it shouldn’t lead to overwhelming anxiety. Our guide offers strategies to help mitigate hypervigilance by focusing on safe environments and realistic perceptions of threats.
T.E.: Before we conclude, Dr. Vázquez, what do you hope readers take away from your guide?
D.L.V.: My hope is that mothers and families find comfort and support within these pages. It is essential to understand that it’s okay to seek help and that psychological recovery is a journey that requires time, patience, and community. By using these recommendations, I believe mothers can regain a sense of normalcy and peace, even after experiencing such challenging events.
T.E.: Thank you, Dr. Vázquez, for sharing your insights and your work’s significance. It’s clear that support can make a profound difference for those affected by disasters like DANA.
D.L.V.: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this crucial topic. It’s vital we continue to raise awareness and provide support to those in need.